Much has been achieved on Galleycat with the sheet winches finally installed and operational.The roofline safety rails are now fitted along with the mainsail traveller across the roof.This allows WFT 3 or the big sail to be set from the port or starboard(left or right) side of the YOT depending on wind direction.
The replacement ropes sourced by Dad have now been installed inside the mast and also attached to the individual sails ready for use.Over the next few weeks
The new roof over the rear deck is the next major construction phase and that 2 will begin shortly,but all my efforts after this weekends religious holiday will be focused on Galleycat's ability to cast off her tethers and head outside the safety and protection of the river.The first trips will be pure shakedown day cruises, building in length and duration until I can comfortably stay at sea for a week or two.
The task of waterproofing the Yot is now complete with the forward hatch receiving its final paint and
fittings today.
News in from W.A has the boy's trip to Winderabandi being a roaring success with a really impressive list of fish being texted to my broken phone by Carl.Congrat's guy's,hope you had a ball, it sounds like it.Hanni to has had a huge trip out to the deep water off Rottnest with fish for all onboard.Several large grey banded cod making the trip a life altering event for Hanni. Over hear my mate Matt and I set out early this week for a spot of mackeral fishing only to find the mackeral not home.We did however catch several nice grunter ,a few small bronze whaler sharks and had an almighty tussle with a very large spinner shark (a first 4 me) this species of shark when hooked put on an incredible display of acrobatics by launching out of the water while spinning at an incredible rate in an effort to sever the line that holds it (successfully).But still huge fun for the 5mins that we sort of had it under control.
Several late night sessions have been held aboard with
the tide occasionally beating us with the access ramp 5ft underwater matt has decided rather than take the dinghy or kayak ashore to wade his way through the ever deepening waters. Sort of like a furry loch ness monster.or crocodile food!
The culinary scene has had several birthday meals with both Kenny and Big Rob having special Friday lunches.This weekend see's the only Religious event on my calender with the annual Bathurst Feast being prepared.Foods such as chicken ceasar sushi,homemade sausage rolls,crumbed camembert cheese,fresh garlic chicken nuggets,beef satay,fish fingers with fresh aioli also fruit and cheese platters along with a lovely potato salad and ceasar salads should keep the hunger pains away as I settle in for 3 days of racing from the mountain.
With the very likely prospect of rain in them thar hills it should be a Bathurst to remember(aren't they all) and with the bookings already confirmed for next year I'll hopefully park the YOT in Sydney harbour and be at the mountain myself along with brother Mark.(fingaz crossed) if all goes according to plan.But 4 now it's set up for the ultimate in V8 racing events with the occasional bottle of fellixer Bourbon to keep my throat lubricated as I shout at the screen.
I don't believe I've managed to get this typed in without the puter crashing so I won't push my luck and will sign off now and hopefully with the new computer system will come more regular and improved updates.
That'z all for now from Tropical FNQ.
"GO THE MIGHTY FORD'S" or at least if a holden has to win let it be Loundes.
Captain Felix
